Tullamarine keeps the faith

Tullamarine can see the positives in what has been a tough Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season so far.

Looking to blood some younger players this season, the Demons went into the final round before Christmas on the bottom of the table without a win.

While disappointed, Demons president Matthew Pixton said the short-term pain was all for long-term gain, with the club fielding its most ever senior sides.

“We stuck to our guns with what our ambitions for this season were,” he said.

“We haven’t got any wins in the senior side, but it’s pleasing from a president and committee perspective that the club is still buzzing.

“We still have the positivity around the club and we’re setting a really good platform.”

Pixton said the biggest issue for the top side had been a lack of consistency. He said while he had expected some inconsistency, the team had to ensure they were having less down moments.

“We’ve been good for half hour or 45 minutes and then it drops off. We can’t afford to do that in the senior grade,” he said.

“The senior guys are starting to hit form and we need them to perform and drag the younger guys along with them.

“We knew blooding young kids, there would be some inconsistency.”

Pixton said the approach of playing some of the younger players was starting to show results, with four players having an impact in the top side.

He said they were juggling giving the players a go in the seniors, while making sure they were being given the opportunity when on the field.

“Tim Matson is a 16-year-old all rounder,” he said. “He played the first game in the twos and has been in the ones since. He’s had some big performances with the bat and ball, despite the figures not always showing.

“He doesn’t drop his head after a bad ball or being hit for a boundary.

“Dylan Watts has had some good performances with the bat and looks promising, while Kobe Walters and Zack Zuehlke are sharing the last bowling spot.

“We don’t want them sitting in the ones for several games bowling a few overs and batting at number nine, so we’re switching them through.”

Import Mark Mbofana has played the past two matches and Pixton said they were expecting a big 2018 from him.

The Demons are hoping more consistency and a win are just around the corner.

“We gave ourselves a chance against Seddon and were disappointed with the result,” Pixton said.

“We think we have a good performance against a top side in us. Our senior guys are hitting form and that’s what we need.

“Hopefully we can string a few good performances together.”

The Demons played Doutta Stars on Saturday in their final match before Christmas. The Stars made 4-183 off its overs, with the Demons only able to make 132.

Greenvale Kangaroos, which is also without a win, lost to Spotswood.

In the north-west division, Craigieburn lost to Sunshine United, while in north-west A1, Westmeadows suffered a shock lost to Royal Park-Brunswick.